Pathogenic organisms

Infectious microbes
Disease-causing bacilli

Nature

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microscopic organisms, broadly known as microbes or germs, cause many of the infectious diseases in the world and millions of deaths annually.

Background

The global significance of pathogenic organisms emerged in the 19th century with the advent of germ theory, as epidemics like cholera and tuberculosis devastated populations. Subsequent scientific advances revealed the vast diversity and adaptability of pathogens, underscoring their role in both persistent and emerging diseases. International outbreaks—such as the 1918 influenza pandemic and, more recently, SARS and Ebola—have continually heightened awareness of their profound impact on public health and global stability.

Counter-claim

Our lives are crucially reliant on microbes. They provide, in one way or another, all of our daily food and that of other animals too – ruminants could not digest grass without them. Pedigree strains are responsible for creating gastronomic delights such as fine wines and cheeses. Microbes were the original source of the world's abundant oil supplies and are the active agents in the process of sewage disposal and composting. Escherichia coli is the principal bacterium of the biotechnology industry which is producing life-saving drugs such as insulin and anti-blood clotting factors. Clostridium acetobutylicum made acetone for the WWI munitions industry.